Celtics finally solve Bobcats

Boston wins its 11th straight on home court

Associated Press

Updated 12:43 am, Sunday, March 17, 2013

Photo: Michael Dwyer

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Boston Celtics' Brandon Bass (30) and Charlotte Bobcats' Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) battle for a loose ball in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Saturday, March 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) less

Boston Celtics' Brandon Bass (30) and Charlotte Bobcats' Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) battle for a loose ball in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Saturday, March 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Michael ... more

Photo: Michael Dwyer

Celtics finally solve Bobcats

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BOSTON — Paul Pierce had 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter, and the Boston Celtics won their 11th straight at home, beating the Charlotte Bobcats 105-88 on Saturday night.

Avery Bradley scored 13 and Courtney Lee had 12 points and five assists as the Celtics beat the Bobcats for the first time in three meetings this season. Two of the Bobcats' NBA-low 14 wins came against the Celtics, including a 100-74 blowout in Charlotte on Tuesday.

Kevin Garnett sat out with a strained left thigh muscle, but the Celtics had more than enough to overwhelm the Bobcats this time.

Jason Terry led Boston's reserves with 15 points and Shavlik Randolph, signed earlier in the week to his second 10-day contract, had six points and a team-high eight rebounds.

All 11 players who dressed for Boston scored at least five points.

Jannero Pargo led Charlotte with 18 points. Gerald Henderson had 16 points, Kemba Walker scored 14 and Josh McRoberts pulled down 10 rebounds for the Bobcats, who lost for the 12th time in 13 games. Charlotte's only win during that stretch was Tuesday against the Celtics, when Pierce rested.

Pierce rested again Saturday, but only after 23 minutes of strong play. He also had three blocks.

Boston closed the second quarter on an 8-2 run and led 50-43 at halftime, then continued pulling away throughout the third quarter while shooting 65 percent (11 for 17).

The Celtics opened the period 7 for 9 and scored eight straight during a 12-2 run that put Boston up 70-55 on a 3-pointer by Lee. Pierce added a 3-pointer with 3:24 left, then headed to the bench with the Celtics up 75-57. He stayed right there for the remainder of the game, resting up for the Celtics' showdown Monday with the streaking Miami Heat.

Boston led 83-66 after three and let the reserves open the fourth. Chris Wilcox dunked on an alley-oop and Randolph drove the baseline for a dunk, capping a 9-0 run to start the period and putting Boston ahead 92-88.

Charlotte fell behind 26-24 on Wilcox's dunk 16 seconds into the second quarter and trailed the rest of the way.

In other games: Tim Duncan had 30 points and 12 rebounds, Kawhi Leonard added 24 points and 13 boards, and San Antonio beat Cleveland 119-113. ... Spencer Hawes had 18 points and career highs with 16 rebounds and seven blocked shots to lead Philadelphia to a 98-91 victory over Indiana. ... Martell Webster scored a career-high 34 points and became Washington's first 30-point scorer this season in a 127-105 victory over Phoenix.